censored on final approach
the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots
USA, 1942-1944.
Between 1942 and 1944, roughly one thousand American women took to the skies as Women Airforce Service Pilots, flying military aircraft across the United States to free male pilots for combat missions overseas. Through Phylis Ravel's powerful drama, IVP brings to life the stories of four WASPs who navigated both aircraft and institutional sexism during World War II. When the program ended in 1944, these civilian pilots were dismissed with a simple directive: "just go back home." Their thirty-year fight for military recognition reveals how women's service has been repeatedly written out of history—and how they fought to write themselves back in.
A Production by Infinite Variety Productions
Written by Phylis Ravel
Subject matter: women in the military, WWII, aviation
Community response
Censored on Final Approach has fostered deep connections with aviation communities and military organizations. Performances at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial and the American Airpower Museum have brought the production directly to spaces that honor military service and aviation history. These venue partnerships have created meaningful dialogue between audiences and the living history of women's military contributions.
The production regularly features special guests including surviving WASPs Carla Horowitz, Bee Haydu, Eleanor Faust, and Elaine Harmon, along with military historian Lynn Yonally. These post-show conversations provide firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs these women faced, creating intergenerational understanding of women's evolving roles in military service.
Aviation museums and veteran organizations have embraced the production as an educational tool, using it to illuminate often-overlooked contributions of women during World War II and their ongoing fight for recognition and equality in military and civilian aviation careers.
What People Are Saying
“IVP's ensemble cast does an admirable job of dramatically bringing to life the passion for flying of these women and the challenges of sexism...”
— Huffington Post
“emotionally chilling as well as inspirational”
— Sarah B.’s Adventures
Production History
August 2014: The Judson Gym Theater, New York City
November 2014: The Women In Military Service For America Memorial, Washington, DC
May 2015: The American Airpower Museum, Farmingdale, NY
Directed by Colleen Britt. Sound design by Ien DeNiro; lighting and set design by Terry Gsell. Featuring Ashley Adelman, Ross Alden, Olivia Rose Barresi, Kaitlyn Huczko, Greg McGovern, Elizabeth McNelis, Jessica G. Smith and Will Sturek.
Special guests at our performances: WASPs Carla Horowitz, Bee Haydu, Eleanor Faust, and Elaine Harmon and KOW Lynn Yonally.